50 Jahre Haus Beda in Bitburg
Apr 19, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026
Bitburg
The model, original plans and photographs of Haus Beda, which opened in 1976, illustrate the skill and signature style of architects Ilse and Bert Emmerich: the cultural center was built for Dr. Hanns Simon's foundation using the "finest Eifel materials". Even 50 years later, the building and its inviting garden still fulfill the founder's claim to be the "good parlour of Bitburg" and to provide a home for the arts and social interaction.
The opening year 1976 was a time marked by global political events and challenging foreign and domestic politics: the death of the long-term communist ruler Mao Zedong and the end of the so-called Cultural Revolution in China. The escalation of RAF terror in Germany with the death of terrorist Ulrike Meinhoff. But also the founding of Apple by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Release of ABBA's biggest hit "Dancing Queen". Niki Lauda had an accident at the Nürburgring. And the US airbase in Bitburg had as many stationed soldiers with family members as the town of Bitburg had inhabitants. Some exhibits are reminiscent of this exciting time.
Volker Hinz's journalistic black and white photographs from this period tell stories. The photographer, who worked for stern magazine, was often on location at the right time, true to the saying of renowned photographer Robert Capa: "If the picture isn't good, you weren't close enough."
